Molecular
Formula sulfur mustard: (ClCH2CH2)2SSULFUR
MUSTARD
Sulfur
mustard (SM) is a cytotoxic, vesicant chemical warfare agent which was
classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as
“carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1). SM was first used in World War I and
more recently by
SM
is a bifunctional alkylating agent and has the potential to react with a wide
variety of molecules of biological interest. The formation of interstrand
cross-links and the very large size of DNA renders this molecule the most
functionally sensitive target of SM in cells. Significant
increases in the incidence of sister
chromatid exchanges (SCE) have been reported after low-dose
exposure to SM. Besides SCE, other cytogenetically detected chromosomal changes
that have been reported to be caused by mustard exposure (mostly in studies
performed with HN2) include gaps,
deletions,
exchanges,
chromosomal stickiness, segregation errors, variable
chromosome numbers, micronuclei
(MN) and chromosome “shattering”. The frequency of chromosomal
aberrations (CA) produced by SM can be expected to depend on
initial extents of alkylation, removal and repair of lesions prior to
replication and the extent and accuracy of postreplication repair.
Molecular
Formula sulfur mustard: (ClCH2CH2)2S
For
further information see Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_gas
References:
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC);” IARC Monographs
on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans - Overall
Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Update of IARC Monographs 1 to 42 (Supplement
7)”, 1987, p. 259.
Noort D., Benschop H.P.,
Black R.M.; “Biomonitoring of exposure to chemical warfare agents: a
review”, Toxicol Appl Pharmacol,
2002, 184:116-26.
Papirmeister B., Feister
A.J., Robinson S.I., Ford R.D.; “Medical Defense against Mustard Gas: Toxic
Mechanisms and Pharmacological Implications”, CRC Press,